Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce is once again raising funds and coordinating the repair, replacement and installation of the popular festive Christmas lights display.

Retailers and local employers are always generous, but the task gets more difficult every year.

A crowdfunding page has been established, and we encourage residents, new and old, to contribute. Every penny helps!

It is the funding from the Chamber of Commerce, and Cranleigh’s employers and residents, which make the Christmas lights possible. Unlike Godalming, Haslemere and Farnham, Cranleigh’s Christmas lights do not receive public sector funding.

The Chamber is delighted to announce that Hans Christmas Andersen, also known as Santa Fir, has confirmed its commitment to donate the fabulous main tree for Fountain Square.

The award-winning Christmas tree grower will also contribute smaller Christmas Trees to decorate shop frontages along the High Street. Their generosity continues a long-held tradition, donating Christmas trees to the village for many years.

Managing Director, Hans Alexandersen said:

Naturally, our business depends on Christmas, but we also recognise the importance of the High Street decorations engendering a spirit of goodwill and hopefully good retail business for all.

The Christmas lights in the trees, on the Common and along the length of the High Street up to the Arts Centre, will be illuminated from mid-November onwards.  This year there will be no evening High Street switch-on event.

Chamber President, Rosemary French OBE said:

The declining number of willing volunteers, the significant liability burden of health and safety regulations, including terrorism prevention measures, and the cost of the event has made it no longer possible to stage such an event without significant additional funding and resource. We have decided to funnel all funding we raise into the Christmas decorations which will last for almost seven weeks instead of one evening event.

We look forward to the businesses and residents enjoying the illuminations.